Adult absorbent articles and arrays thereof

ABSTRACT

An array of absorbent articles each having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core is described. A first absorbent article has a first physical feature disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core, and a second absorbent article has a second physical feature disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The first physical feature has a first length between 27 and 77 percent of a first absorbent core length. The second physical feature has a second length between 27 and 77 percent of a second absorbent core length. The first length is less than the second length, and the first physical feature comprises a convex portion oriented toward a first end of the first absorbent article and/or the second physical feature comprises a convex portion oriented toward a first end of the second absorbent article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an array of adult absorbentarticles which are designed for different body types, as well as tomethods for making and packaging a plurality of absorbent articles. Theadult absorbent articles are generally designed and configured to managebodily exudates such as urine, menses, or other vaginal discharges.Exemplary adult absorbent articles include sanitary napkins (aka pads)and pantiliners and incontinence pads, pants, and liners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Menstrual fluid and urine have different fluid insult physio-chemicalproperties (e.g., viscosity, fluid dynamics, etc.), volumes, andabsorption rates. For example, menstrual flow typically consists of twopatterns. The first pattern is “trickle” flow, which varies from 0.1 to2 ml per hour. The second pattern is “gush” flow which varies from 2-3ml but can be up to 5 ml. Typical gush rates are from −0.5-2 ml/sec.Gush flow can result from an accumulation of menses pooling in thevagina which may then exit the body upon a change in position, such as atransition from sitting to standing. For consumers who suffer fromurinary incontinence, urine voiding consists of two general types:stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI).SUI is caused by high pressure on the bladder induced by coughing,sneezing, laughing, bending, etc., and can result in a high flow ratethough at a smaller urine volume that that associated with UUI. UUI canresult in a full bladder release, though at a lower flow rate than thatassociated with SUI. Spreading occurs when fluid moves along the body orwhen fluid is trapped in the interface between the wearer's body and theadult absorbent article. This can be uncomfortable for a wearer, canlead to feelings of uncleanliness and insecurity, or lead toembarrassing leaks. There is a desire to minimize spreading of urine ormenstrual fluid.

Desirably, an adult absorbent article should maintain contact with andconform as closely as possible to a wearer's body. Such abody-conforming capability may increase the effectiveness of the adultabsorbent article by reducing the possibility that menses, urine, or thelike will spread, or travel along the wearer's body rather than into theadult absorbent. However, adult absorbent articles on the market do notaddress body shape or size or close fit beyond a choice of two or threelengths. Available adult absorbent articles are generally designed andmarketed based upon the absorbency level of the product (e.g., lightliner, regular pad, heavy pad), features (e.g., wings or no wings,regular or long length, scented or unscented) or the time of day orlength of time the product is expected to be used (e.g., overnightpads). There is a need for adult absorbent articles which conform wellto various wearers' bodies. There is a need for adult absorbent articleswhich provide a close fit such that spreading of urine and/or menstrualfluid is reduced or eliminated.

While there is a wide range of body shapes and sizes among women,available products do not reflect this wide range; rather, absorbentarticles available today follow a one-size-fits-all (or evenone-size-fits-small) approach. Yet, body mass index (BMI) is on the riseglobally for both men and women. In the U.S. alone, more than ⅓ of adultfemales are now considered obese (BMI >30). This has changedsignificantly over the past 30 years; in 1980 only about 16% of U.S.adult females were obese. Today's absorbent articles struggle to deliversuperior protection for larger women (relative to smaller women). Thereis a lack of recognition and understanding of this issue by adultabsorbent article manufacturers. Accordingly, there is a need to developadult absorbent articles for a variety body shapes such that there isimproved contact between skin and the adult absorbent article to reducethe occurrence of spreading. There is a need for adult absorbentarticles which are designed for wearers based on their BMI. There is aneed to communicate to wearers the benefits of such customized adultabsorbent articles in an easy-to-understand manner (e.g., some women maynot understand what BMI is or know their BMI number) which is notoff-putting (e.g., without stigmatizing or embarrassing women based ontheir BMI).

These are all objects of the present invention; embodiments of thepresent invention may combine various objects mentioned. A particularembodiment may, but need not, embody every object of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to arrays of absorbent articles. Inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment, an adult absorbent articlecomprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core; the absorbentarticle comprises a physical feature to at least partially fill awearer's panty-body void; wherein the wearer has a BMI greater thanabout 25.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosuretaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C are charts illustrating soiling as a function of BMI andpanty size.

FIG. 2 shows representative female body shapes of differing BMI wherethe transverse plane B:B is determined at the gluteal sulcus.

FIG. 3 shows representative female morphological measurements taken atplane B:B of FIG. 2 , including thigh spacing, thigh diameter parallelto the sagittal plane (thigh length), and thigh diameter parallel to thecoronal plane (thigh width).

FIG. 4 shows the average female morphological shapes at plane B:B ofFIG. 2 as a function of BMI.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI and ThighSpacing at plane B:B of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a chart showing the relationship between Target BMI and ThighEccentricity at plane B:B of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a chart showing the relationship between BMI and spacingbetween the thighs at the intersection of the thighs with the torso.

FIG. 8A shows an approximation of the open area of the crotch on thecoronal plane, defined at the location where inner thighs 1100A and1100B intersect the torso 1120 and the gluteal sulcus for a high BMIvalue, e.g. 35.

FIG. 8B shows an approximation of the open area of the crotch on thecoronal plane defined at the location where inner thighs intersect thetorso and the gluteal sulcus for a low BMI value, e.g. 15.

FIG. 9A shows a top view of a deformed feminine hygiene pad worn by a 34BMI consumer.

FIG. 9B shows a top view of a deformed feminine hygiene pad worn by a 24BMI consumer.

FIG. 9C shows a top view of an unworn, un-deformed feminine hygiene pad.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the body/panty interfaces of two differentBMI women, e.g. 24 BMI and 34 BMI, respectively viewed from the sagittalplane.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate the body/panty interfaces of two different BMIwomen, e.g. 24 BMI and 34 BMI, respectively viewed from the coronalplane.

FIGS. 12A-12B show topographical surface maps of two different BMIwomen, e.g. 24 BMI and 34 BMI, respectively viewed from the transverseplane B-B from FIG. 2 .

FIGS. 13A and 13B show how the probability and distance of thepanty-body void height increases as BMI increases.

FIG. 14A shows a top view of an exemplary adult absorbent article arrayof the present invention.

FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the exemplary adult absorbentarticle array of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A shows an exemplary adult absorbent article in the form of apad.

FIG. 15B is a top view schematic of the pad shown in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a cross-section diagram as taken through line 15C-15C ofFIG. 15B.

FIG. 16A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle comprising a physical feature.

FIG. 16B is a cross-section view of the article of FIG. 16A, taken alongthe line A-A.

FIG. 17A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle comprising a physical feature.

FIG. 17B is a cross-section view of the article of FIG. 17A, taken alongthe line A-A.

FIG. 18A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle comprising a physical feature.

FIG. 18B is a cross-section view of the article of FIG. 18A, taken alongthe line A-A.

FIG. 19A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle comprising a physical feature.

FIG. 19B is a cross-section view of the article of FIG. 19A, taken alongthe line A-A.

FIG. 20 illustrates a variety of specific shapes that may exist withineach BMI class.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous differentembodiments of the present invention. The description is to be construedas exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment sincedescribing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if notimpossible. And it will be understood that any feature, characteristic,component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodologydescribed herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, inwhole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component,composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein.Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using eithercurrent technology or technology developed after the filing date of thispatent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Allpublications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein byreference.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis specification using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is nointent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or byimplication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term shouldnot be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made inany section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). Noterm is intended to be essential to the present invention unless sostated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end ofthis patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with asingle meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to notconfuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term belimited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and afunction without the recital of any structure, it is not intended thatthe scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the applicationof 35 U.S.C. § 112 f.

“Array” means a display of packages comprising disposable articles ofdifferent sizes having like article constructions (e.g., sameelastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in theflaps, graphic elements) said packages having the same brand and/orsub-brand, and said packages oriented in proximity to each other in agiven area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up ofproducts normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packagingmaterial type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) thatconvey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of alarger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, “Depend,”and same sub-brand, for example, “for Women Underwear.” A differentarray may have the brand “Depend” and the sub-brand “Silhouette ForWomen.” The differences between the “for Women Underwear” array and the“Silhouette For Women” arrays include different elastomeric materials inthe side flaps, where “for Women Underwear” comprises strands as theelastomeric material and “Silhouette For Women” comprises a filmelastomeric material.” Furthermore, the packaging is distinctlydifferent in that “for Women Underwear” is packaged in a predominatelygreen, film bag and “Silhouette For Women” is packaged in apredominately maroon box.

Further regarding “Arrays,” as another example of two separate “arrays”having the same brand, “Certainty,” one line-up has the sub-brand“Women's Underwear.” A different array may have the same brand“Certainty” and the sub-brand “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women.” Thedifferences between the “Women's Underwear” array and the “Smooth ShapeBriefs for Women” arrays include different elastomeric materials in theside flaps, where “Women's Underwear” comprises strands as theelastomeric material and “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women” comprises afilm elastomeric material.” Furthermore, the packaging is distinctlydifferent in that “Women's Underwear” is packaged in a predominatelyblue, film bag and “Smooth Shape Briefs for Women” is packaged in apredominately maroon box.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of thebrand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.

“On-line Array” means an “Array” distributed by a common on-line source.

The body mass index (BMI) is a classification system for body shapesbased upon height and mass. BMI may be calculated as follows:

${BMI} = {\frac{{weight}({kg})}{{height}(m)^{2}} = \frac{703*{weight}({lb})}{{height}({in})^{2}}}$

It is also common to determine BMI based upon a chart of height versesweight, see for example, FIG. 1 . The index comprises different classesof body mass, including: underweight (BMI <20), normal weight(BMI20-25), overweight (BMI 25-30), obese (BMI 30-40), and morbidlyobese (BMI >40).

“Coronal plane” as used herein, describes a vertical plane which extendsthrough a standing female body dividing said body into anterior andposterior portions, and said coronal plane extending through theshoulder and vaginal opening, bisecting vaginal opening into anteriorand posterior portions.

“Sagittal plane” as used herein describes a plane which extends throughthe body of a standing wearer and bisects the body of the standingwearer into left and right halves.

“Thigh Spacing” means the narrowest lateral distance between the thighs(inner portions of the thigh 1100A and 1100B) while the person whosethighs are being measured is in the neutral position with their feetapproximately shoulder width apart. The lateral distance being parallelto the coronal plane and being on a transverse plane. The transverseplane being perpendicular to the coronal plane and extending through theGluteal Sulcus (the gluteal sulcus is often referred to as the fold ofthe buttock or the gluteal fold of the horizontal gluteal crease). Thisis illustrated in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3 at plane B:B of FIG. 2 .

“Thigh Eccentricity” is the approximate eccentricity of the thigh atplane B:B of FIG. 2 , where plane B:B is described above. Hereafter,Thigh Eccentricity is considered negative when the major axis of thethigh cross section at plane B:B is perpendicular to the coronal planeof the body. The thigh's major axis is the larger of either the ThighWidth, or Thigh Length as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

“Thigh” means the circumference of the thigh at its juncture with thebuttock, the measurement made perpendicular to the long axis of thethigh.

As stated previously, BMI is on the rise globally for both men & women.The inventors have discovered how the general female body shape changesas BMI increases. It has also been found that currently marketed adultabsorbent articles struggle to deliver superior protection for thehigher BMI wearers (relative to the lower BMI wearers). As BMI increasesand body shape changes, it was discovered that the shape/morphology ofthe intimate region through the crotch also changes. Several performancerelated metrics, e.g., panty-soiling and fluid left on the body (amountand coverage area) all tend to increase as BMI and panty size increases,as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The increase in theseperformance outages is not due to an increase in fluid discharge, sincemenstrual flow is not correlated to body size and weight. Rather,performance outages are independent of the load in the sanitary napkin(a larger woman will be at a performance disadvantage versus a smallerwoman for the same amount of fluid in the pad). The probability of aconsumer suffering from urinary incontinence can, however, be linked toBMI (among other factors, such as age, number of childbirths, menopause,injuries, etc.).

It may be argued that today's adult absorbent articles address theseperformance outages inherently via varying surface areas andabsorbencies among products. For instance, subsequently larger sizeswithin today's product arrays are essentially up-scaled versions of thesmaller sizes (i.e., size scaling—increase in L1, increase in W1, orincrease in both L1 and W1 (shown in FIG. 15B)). However, it has beenfound that these are not the best ways to address performance outagesstemming from a higher BMI. A mechanistic understanding of why higherBMI women experience these performance outages at a greater rate thanlower BMI women is essential in establishing the product requirementsand designs necessary to deliver the same or even better performance forthe higher BMI population. The need for this mechanistic understandingof BMI has not been recognized until now.

There are several mechanistic explanations as to why product performancedegrades as BMI increases. For instance, there exists a higherprobability of fat folds/skin creases in higher BMI women which canattract the fluid (capillarity) and trap it once there. Additionally,there is a higher probability of reduced space between the thighs forhigher BMI women, specifically at the crotch where a pad sits in apanty. The reduced spacing is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 , and in thecharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 . As BMI increases, the spacing between thethighs at the Gluteal Sulcus—hereafter, “thigh (gluteal sulcus)spacing”—decreases. Additionally, as BMI increases, the eccentricity ofthe thigh at the Gluteal Sulcus changes as is illustrated in FIG. 4 andin the chart of FIG. 6 . This change results in a larger radius (smallercurvature) and a longer thigh axis (perpendicular to the coronal planeof the body). Additionally, the spacing between the thighs (at theintersection of the inner thighs 1100A and 1100B with thetorso)—hereafter, “thigh (torso) spacing”—decreases as BMI increases asdepicted in FIG. 7 . The decrease in thigh (torso) spacing occurs withincreasing BMI until a BMI of about 30 is reached. For BMI values above30, the thigh (torso) spacing flattens out.

FIG. 8A depicts an approximated area 1130A on the coronal plane whenviewing the coronal plane from the anterior portion into the posteriorportion of the body. The approximated area 1130A shown is that for ahigh BMI wearer, e.g. 35. The area 1130A is defined by an intersection1110A between a body torso 1120 and an inner thigh 1100A, anintersection 1100B between the body torso 1120 and an inner thigh 1100Band a transverse plane 1150A extending through the gluteal sulcus. Asdepicted, the area 1130A may be approximated by an inverted trapezoid.As BMI decreases, angles at the intersections 1110A and 1110B increase.In FIG. 8B, an approximated area 1130B for a lower BMI wearer, e.g. 15,is depicted. As shown, a transverse plane 1150B extending through thegluteal sulcus is much close to the torso 1120 than of FIG. 8A. Thetransverse planes 1150A and 1150B represent relative spacing of thepanty to the torso. As depicted, the transverse plane 1150B is muchclose to the torso 1120 than the transverse plane 1150A. Accordingly,the approximated area 1130B.

With increased BMI, this reduced area results in the pad beingcompressed between the thighs in one or more of the X, Y, and Zdirections, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, thereby reducing the projected areato the surface of the body, regardless of the starting surface area ofthe pad. FIG. 9A shows a top view of a deformed feminine hygiene pad 41worn by a consumer having a BMI of 34. FIG. 9B shows a top view of adeformed feminine hygiene pad 42 worn by a consumer having a BMI of 24.FIG. 9C shows a top view of an unworn, un-deformed feminine hygiene pad43. Each of the pads have an X direction length and a Y direction width.As shown, the Y direction width varies along the X direction length ofeach of the pads. Additionally, as depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the Ydirection width varies along the X direction as a function of BMI.Namely, deformation increases (Y direction width decreases in certainareas) as BMI increases. This deformation ultimately reduces the padsurface area available to contact the body and prevent spreading offluid as described previously.

A new insight is that there exists a physical gap (a “panty-body void”)between the body-facing surface of the panty (and an adult absorbentarticle that is adhered to that panty) and the center of the vaginalopening 725, as shown in FIGS. 10A-12B. The images shown were obtainedvia scans of test participants using a 3D scanner, e.g., Artec 3DScanner manufactured by the Artec Group. The body/panty interface of anormal BMI woman (BMI of 24) versus that of a higher-BMI woman (BMI of34) is illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 12B. As shown in FIG. 10A, apanty 700 for a wearer having a BMI of 24 follows the contour of thebody 730 and is close to the vaginal opening 725. The surface of thepanty conforms through the vulva region for the smaller woman (e.g.,FIG. 10A). In contrast, the panty 700 tends to tent across the vulvaregion and vaginal opening 725 for the larger woman (e.g., FIG. 10B). Assuch, the panty 700 is much further away from the vaginal opening forthe 34 BMI wearer. FIGS. 11A and 11B, for the 24 BMI and 34 BMI wearers,respectively, corroborate the illustrations in FIGS. 10A and 10B.Namely, the panty 700 is more proximate to the vaginal opening 725 forthe 24 BMI wearer than the panty 700 of the 34 BMI wearer. FIGS. 12A-and12B show topographical surface maps of the lower pelvic region bottomviews) of a 24 BMI woman and a 34 BMI woman.

Most feminine pads are adhered to the panty of the wearer during use. Assuch, the presence of the panty-body void between the panty and thevaginal opening 725 will create a similar pad-body void. And, becausethe vaginal opening 725 is not in contact with the pad, this will createa performance outage. Lacking intimate contact, menses and urine tend torun along the body (i.e., they don't “drip” straight into the absorbentarticle) until they come into contact with either absorbent article orpanty. This results in greater body soiling and a higher probability ofgarment soiling as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C. Simply using a thicker padand/or a longer pad will not address this outage because regardless ofthe length of the pad, the top surface of the pad will still tent acrossthe vaginal opening for a larger BMI woman.

A one-size-fits-all approach would be insufficient since too much addedcaliper in a pad for smaller women will likely generate comfortconcerns. However, a thinner caliper pad, as described above, may leadto performance outages for larger BMI women. The present inventionsolves this problem by creating an array of adult absorbent articleshaving characteristics and/or features designed to fill in thepanty-body void, which in turn reduces spreading and which canaccommodate lower BMI women. Now, a product array which accommodatesvarious BMI women is achievable wherein each product within that arrayis designed for a different BMI range.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show how the panty-body void height increases as afunction of BMI increase and the cumulative frequency of panty-body voidheight, respectively. In addition to the panty-body void height, thepanty-body void width and the panty-body void length are also functionsof BMI. Table 1 provides ranges with regard to each of the above. Goingthrough the full range of BMI wearers, the panty-body void can be fromabout 0 cm to about 25 cm in length, from about 1 cm to about 4 cm inwidth, and from about 0 cm to about 3 cm in height. As shown in Table 1below, the average dimensions of the panty-body void volume are all BMIdependent. The shape of the volume becomes higher and narrower as BMIincreases. For example, the panty-body void volume for a normal BMIwoman may be about the size of a golf ball, while the panty-body voidvolume for a morbidly obese woman may be about the size of an apple.This panty-body void is present with a majority of panties on themarket; however, it is known that thongs, menstrual shorts, or the likemay reduce the volume of the panty-body void.

TABLE 1 Consumer Classification Underweight Normal Overweight ObeseMorbidly Obese BMI Range <20 20-25 25-30 30-40 >40 Panty-Body VoidHeight 0 mm-5 mm  0 mm-10 mm  0 mm-15 mm  5 mm-20 mm 10 mm-30 mmPanty-Body Void Length  0 cm-10 cm  0 cm-15 cm  2 cm-20 cm  5 cm-25 cm10 cm-25 cm Panty-Body Void Width 4 cm-8 cm 4 cm-7 cm 2 cm-6 cm 0 cm-2cm 0 cm-1 cm at Panty Panty-Body Void Width 3 cm-7 cm 3 cm-6 cm 2 cm-5cm 2 cm-3 cm 2 cm-3 cm at Body Panty-Body Void Area 0 cm²-4 cm² 0 cm²-6cm² 0 cm²-8 cm² 1 cm²-5 cm² 1 cm²-6 cm² at VO Panty-Body Void Volume  0cm³-30 cm³  0 cm³-75 cm³  0 cm³-100 cm³  5 cm³-120 cm³  15 cm³-150 cm³

It is believed that filling this panty-body void can lead to bettercontact between the absorbent article and the body. This can reducespreading (on the skin, on the pad), the probability of soiling, orleakage. In addition, this can increase comfort and security of thewearer. One way of accomplishing this is to develop an adult absorbentarticle comprising a physical feature to fill the volume of the void.

The adult absorbent article array may comprise one or more physicalfeatures which function to fill a wearer's panty-body void. Thisphysical feature may be disposable or reusable. The physical feature maybe manufactured integrally with an adult absorbent article, it may bepackaged separately from an adult absorbent article as part of a kit, orthe physical features may be sold separately from any adult absorbentarticle and be designed to work with a particular type or brand of adultabsorbent articles, or further still, the physical features may be soldseparately from any adult absorbent article and be designed to work withany type or brand of adult absorbent articles (e.g., a wearer whoprefers U by Kotex® sanitary napkins can add an Always® physical featureto fill her panty-body void).

The physical feature may take the form of an additional absorbent coreseparate from the primary absorbent core, or the physical feature may bea primary core which is enhanced in a certain region. Still otherembodiments are envisioned that comprise air bubbles (e.g., encapsulatedby film), foam inserts, (e.g., may comprise adhesive), reusable pucksthat can be placed under the adult absorbent article or between the padand panty, elastics, fold up (e.g., tent across middle, alonglongitudinal axis) portions, pop up (e.g., from the backsheet to thetopsheet), or other mechanics.

The physical feature may comprise one or more characteristics which makethe physical feature appropriate for a particular wearer's BMI and/orpanty-void volume. For instance, footprint, body-contact surface area,height, width, length, caliper, material(s) of construction, shape,fluid handling properties, permeability, hydrophobicity, color signals,acquisition speed, compressibility, recovery. All of these may relate tothe physical feature itself or the physical feature as compared to therest of the absorbent article. In addition, the physical feature mayhave different characteristics at different points in time, forinstance, the feature may have a first height as packaged and a secondheight in use. These characteristics may be wearer-activated or alteredprior to use, e.g., if an adult absorbent article is packaged in asubstantially flat position, yet can be manipulated to have an increasedcaliper. The materials of construction may comprise any suitableabsorbent materials known in the art. Some suitable examples includehigh internal phase emulsions, pulp, absorbent gelling material orsuperabsorbent material, any combination thereof or any of the materialsdisclosed below, or the like. The sides of the physical feature may bestraight or tapered. The top of the physical feature may be flat,rounded, convex, concave, or the like. The footprint of the physicalfeature may be circular, oval, teardrop, triangular, etc.

Adult absorbent article arrays as disclosed herein may be manufacturedby the same company on the same manufacturing line or on differentmanufacturing lines. Adult absorbent articles as disclosed herein may besold in an array under the same brand (e.g., Depends, Always) and/or thesame sub-brand name (e.g., Silhouette, Radiant).

An exemplary adult absorbent article array, comprising a first pad 910,a second pad 950, and a third pad 990, is shown in FIGS. 14A (top view)and 14B (perspective view). The pads in this array are labeled “size S,”“size M,” and “size L” for small, medium, and large options. This is oneway of communicating to wearers that the product is customized based ontheir BMI. For example, the small size may be intended for wearershaving a BMI under about 25, the medium size may be intended for wearershaving a BMI from about 25-30, and the large size may be intended forwearers having a BMI above about 30. In another embodiment, an array maycomprise a fourth size, extra-large (“XL”) intended for wearers having aBMI above 40.

As shown, the first pad 910 may comprise a first physical feature 915 toaddress the panty-body void and be intended for wearers with a lowerBMI. The second pad 950 may comprise a second physical feature 955addressing the panty-body void of those wearers with a higher BMI thanthose intended wearers of the first pad 910. The third pad 990 maycomprise a third physical feature 995 addressing the panty-body void ofthose wearers with a higher BMI than those intended wearers of the firstpad 910 and of the second pad 950.

The first physical feature 915, the second physical feature 955, and thethird physical feature 995 may be positioned on their respective padssuch that each of the physical features lines up with the vaginalopening when in use. Additionally, the first physical feature 915, thesecond physical feature 955, and the third physical feature 995 can bedifferent. With regard to the height (see callout H2 in FIG. 15C),length (see callout L2 in FIG. 15C), and/or width (see callout W2 inFIG. 15B) the third physical feature 995 may have a greater height,length, and/or width than that of the second physical feature 955.Similarly, the second physical feature 955 may have a greater height,length, and/or width than that of the first physical feature 915. Stillin some executions, the third physical feature 995 has a greater heightthan that of the second physical feature 955 but has a length and/orwidth which is equal to or less than that of the second physical feature955. Similarly, in some executions, the second physical feature 955 hasa greater height than that of the first physical feature 915 but has alength and/or width which is equal to or less than that of the firstphysical feature 915. Additionally, embodiments are contemplated wherethe second pad 950 and third pad 995 have a physical feature asdescribed herein, but the first pad 910 does not have a physical feature915 since it may not be required for intended wearer's BMI. Accordingly,the present invention envisions arrays in which two or more products inthe array have a feature designed to fill the panty-body void. This maybe a common feature or the array may comprise two or more differentfeatures—whatever works best to fill the panty-body voids of theintended wearers.

FIG. 20 illustrates a variety of specific shapes that may exist withineach BMI class: rectangle, hourglass, pear, and apple. The higher herBMI, the further to the right a women typically is on this body shapescale. The prevalence of these shapes differs among BMI ranges, forinstance, higher BMI women have a higher probability of being apple orpear shaped. Adult absorbent articles may be marketed to women of aparticular body shape, such as apple, rather than focusing on exact BMIvalues (which may be off-putting to a consumer), in order to match awearer with the article that will best fill her panty-body void.

As mentioned above, the physical features comprise characteristics whichtailor the feature to the targeted BMI range. The array of FIGS. 14A and14B utilize strategic caliper as a characteristic of the physicalfeature, which adds a z-directional component only to a specific regionwithin the overall adult absorbent article footprint, wherein the heightof this z-directional physical feature increases as targeted BMI rangeincreases.

An exemplary adult absorbent article in the form of a pad 1100 is shownin FIG. 15A. A top view schematic of the pad is shown in FIG. 15B. Across-section of the pad 1100 is shown in FIG. 15C as taken through line15C-15C in FIG. 15B. Pad 1100 is shown having a topsheet 1105, anopposing backsheet 1125, and a first absorbent core 1135 disposedtherebetween. The absorbent core 1135 may comprise one or more layers asdiscussed hereafter. As shown, in some embodiments, the pad 1100comprises the first absorbent core 1135 and a physical feature 1145which can be a second absorbent core, in some embodiments. The firstabsorbent core 1135 has a length L1, a width W1, and a height H1. Insome embodiments, the absorbent articles are very thin (H1); forexample, 0.5-5 millimeters, 1-4 millimeters, or 1.5-3.5 millimeters incaliper in regions excluding the physical feature(s) 1145, e.g. secondabsorbent core. The physical feature 1145 has a length L2, a width W2,and a height H2.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C describe one embodiment of an array out ofseveral possible array combinations disclosed in Table 2 additionalcombinations are contemplated. The dimension W₁ is measured at thenarrowest portion of the pad, at the location where the pad is adheredto the center of the panty at the center of the crotch (the narrowestlateral spacing between the legs).

TABLE 2 Product Size S M L XL BMI Target <25 25-30 30-40 >40 Range BodyShape rectangle hourglass pear apple Target H₂  0 10 mm 20 mm 30 mm L₂n/a 7 cm 15 cm 20 cm W₂ n/a 6 cm 4 cm 2 cm H₁ 5 mm 5 mm 5 mm 5 mm L₁ 259mm 259 mm 259 mm 259 mm W₁ 60 mm 60 mm 50 mm 40 mm

H₂ increases as size increase due to the increase in panty-body voidheight as BMI increases. W₁ decreases as sizes increases due to thereduced spacing between the legs at the panty surface as BMI increases(See FIG. 3-5 ). W2 decreases as size increases due to the reduced widthof the panty-body void volume as BMI increases.

Some embodiments are contemplated where an array of products comprisemultiple sizes to accommodate multiple BMI wearers. For example, anarray may comprise a first size for those wearers having a BMI of 25 orless, a second size for those wearers having a BMI of between about 25to 30, a third size for wearers having a BMI of between about 30 to 40,and a fourth size for wearers having a BMI of greater than 40. Thephysical feature, described in FIGS. 14A and 14B may have varyinglengths (L2 shown in FIG. 15C), widths (W2 shown in FIG. 15B) and/orheights (H2 shown in FIG. 15C). In some constructions, the first sizemay not include a physical feature while the second size, third size,and fourth sizes do comprise a physical feature. In such arrays, a ratioof heights of the physical features of the third size to the second sizemay be from about 5 to 1 to about 1.3 to 1. Additionally, in suchconstructions, a ratio of heights between the physical features of thefourth size to the third size may be about 2 to 1 to about 1.3 to 1. Forsuch arrays, the first size may comprise a physical feature. In suchconstructions, in addition to the foregoing ratios between the third andsecond and fourth and third sizes, a ratio of height of the physicalfeature of the second size to the first size may be from about 10:1 toabout 1.5 to 1.

A ratio of lengths of the physical features of the third size to thesecond size may be from about 2.5 to 1 to about 1.25 to 1. A ratio oflengths of the physical features of the fourth size to the third sizemay be from about 2 to 1 to about 1 to 1. And, for those arrays whereinthe first size comprises a physical feature, a ratio of lengths of thephysical features of the second size to the first size may be from about2 to 1 to about 1.25 to 1.

A ratio of widths of the physical features of the second size to thethird size may be from about 1 to 1 to about 5 to 3. A ratio of width ofthe physical features of the third size to the fourth size may be about1 to 1. And for those arrays where the first size comprises a physicalfeature, a ratio of widths of the physical feature of the first size tothe second size may be from about 3 to 2 to about 6 to 5.

A ratio of volumes of the physical features of the fourth size to thethird size may be from about 3 to 1 to about 5 to 4. A ratio of volumesof the physical features of the third size to the second size may befrom about 5 to 1 to about 6 to 5. And for those arrays where the firstsize comprises a physical feature, a ratio of volumes of the physicalfeature of the second size to the first size may be from about 1 to 1 toabout 3 to 1.

The array described above comprising four sizes may vary the physicalfeature height, length, width, and/or volume.

Arrays are also contemplated where five sizes are offered. For example,an array may comprise a first size for those wearers having a BMI of 20or less, a second size for those wearers having a BMI of between about20 to 25, a third size for wearers having a BMI of between about to 30,a fourth size for wearers having a BMI of between 30 to 40, and a fifthsize for wearers having a BMI of greater than 40. Similar to the above,in some constructions, the first size may not include a physical featurewhile the second size, third size, fourth size, and fifth size docomprise a physical feature. In such arrays, a ratio of heights of thephysical features of the third size to the second size may be from about1 to 1 to about 3 to 2. A ratio of heights between the physical featuresof the fourth size to the third size may be about 5 to 1 to about 4 to3. For such arrays, the first size may comprise a physical feature. Aratio of heights between the physical features of the fifth size and thefourth size may be between about 2 to 1 to about 3 to 2. In suchconstructions, in addition to the foregoing ratios between the third andsecond and fourth and third sizes, a ratio of height of the physicalfeature of the second size to the first size may be from about 1:1 toabout 2 to 1.

A ratio of lengths of the physical features of the third size to thesecond size may be from about 2 to 1 to about 4 to 3. A ratio of lengthsof the physical features of the fourth size to the third size may befrom about 2.5 to 1 to about 1.25 to 1. A ratio of lengths of thephysical features of the fifth size to the fourth size may be betweenabout 2 to 1 to about 1 to 1. And, for those arrays wherein the firstsize comprises a physical feature, a ratio of lengths of the physicalfeatures of the second size to the first size may be from about 1 to 1to about 1.5 to 1.

A ratio of widths of the physical features of the second size to thethird size may be from about 1.5 to 1 to about 1.2 to 1. A ratio ofwidth of the physical features of the third size to the fourth size maybe about 1 to 1 to about 1.6 to 1. A ratio of width of the physicalfeatures of the fourth size to the fifth size may be about 1 to 1. Andfor those arrays where the first size comprises a physical feature, aratio of widths of the physical feature of the first size to the secondsize may be from about 1 to 1 to about 7 to 6.

A ratio of volumes of the physical features of the third size to thesecond size can be between about 1 to 1 to about 1.3 to 1. A ratio ofvolumes of the physical features of the fourth size to the third sizemay be from about 5 to 1 to about 6 to 5. A ratio of volumes of thephysical features of fifth size to the fourth size may be from about 3to 1 to about 1.25 to 1. And for those arrays where the first sizecomprises a physical feature, a ratio of volumes of the physical featureof the second size to the first size may be from about 1 to 1 to about2.5 to 1.

Arrays are also contemplated where three sizes are offered. For example,an array may comprise a first size for those wearers having a BMI of 25or less, a second size for those wearers having a BMI of between about25 to 40, and a third size for wearers having a BMI of greater than 40.Similar to the above, in some arrays, the first size may not include aphysical feature while the second size and third size do comprise aphysical feature. In such arrays, a ratio of heights of the physicalfeatures of the third size to the second size may be from about 10 to 1to about 2 to 1. For such arrays, the first size may comprise a physicalfeature. In such constructions, in addition to the foregoing ratiosbetween the third and second sizes, a ratio of height of the physicalfeature of the second size to the first size may be from about 5:1 toabout 4 to 1.

A ratio of lengths of the physical features of the third size to thesecond size may be from about 5 to 1 to about 1.25 to 1. And, for thosearrays wherein the first size comprises a physical feature, a ratio oflengths of the physical features of the second size to the first sizemay be from about 5 to 1 to about 2.5 to 1.

A ratio of widths of the physical features of the second size to thethird size may be from about 1.5 to 1 to about 2 to 1. And for thosearrays where the first size comprises a physical feature, a ratio ofwidths of the physical feature of the first size to the second size maybe from about 1.5 to 1 to about 2.3 to 1.

A ratio of volumes of the physical features of the third size to thesecond size can be between about 15 to 1 to about 1.5 to 1. And forthose arrays where the first size comprises a physical feature, a ratioof volumes of the physical feature of the second size to the first sizemay be from about 5 to 1 to about 4 to 1.

Still in some executions, the physical feature described herein maycomprise a ratio of length to height of about 250 to 1, 200 to 1, 150 to1, 100 to 1, 50 to 1, or 25 to 1. Similarly, physical features describedherein may comprise a ratio of width to height of about 70 to 1, 60 to1, 50 to 1, 25 to 1, 10 to 1, 6 to 1, or 5 to 1.

Embodiments are contemplated where the height of the physical featuresof those sizes associated with larger BMI wearers increases withincreasing BMI while the width of the physical feature decreases withincreasing BMI. Also, embodiments are contemplated where the width ofthe primary core (W1 shown in FIG. 15B) decreases with increasing BMI.For example, a feminine care article of a size associated with a BMIlarger than 24 may have a lower width (W1) than that of a feminine carearticle of a size associated with a BMI of less than 24. Similarconfigurations can be made with regard to those size associated with aBMI of greater than 30, greater than 34, greater than 40, greater than45, etc.

Additional exemplary embodiments of feminine care articles comprisingphysical features are illustrated in FIGS. 16A-19B. In these figures,the first absorbent core 1135 is the primary core of the adult absorbentarticle. FIG. 16A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adultabsorbent article 1200 comprising a physical feature 1255 FIG. 16B is across-section view of the article 1200 of FIG. 16A, taken along the lineA-A. The physical feature 1255 is a core integral with the article 1200.It is covered by a topsheet 1205 and comprises absorbent material.Absorbent material refers to liquid absorbent materials such as forexample soft materials providing a rather fluffy structure with emptyspace, such as comminuted wood pulp, creped cellulose wadding,chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers all ofwhich are herein referred to as “airfelt”. Absorbent material alsorefers to superabsorbent polymer material (SAP), such as super absorbentpolymer polymers, fibers or foams and mixtures of superabsorbent polymermaterial with airfelt.

FIG. 17A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle 1300 comprising a physical feature 1355. FIG. 17B is across-section view of the article 1300 of FIG. 17A, taken along the lineA-A. The physical feature 1355 is a separate structure which may beattached and removed from the article. Any suitable attachment mechanismcan be utilized. Some suitable examples include adhesive or a hook andloop structure, e.g., velcro. However, with such constructions, thephysical feature 1355 should maintain sufficient liquid communicationwith the first absorbent core 1135 to reduce the likelihood of leakage.

FIG. 18A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle 1400 comprising a physical feature 1455. FIG. 14B is across-section view of the article 1400 of FIG. 18A, taken along the lineA-A. The physical feature 1455 is elastic, preferably a pre-stretchedelastic strand that extends longitudinally under a topsheet 1405. Theelastic causes the topsheet 1405 to tent in use and thus createsconformity to the vaginal opening. A wicking member 1415 may be present(e.g., an absorbent material) to create a continuous pathway between thetopsheet and absorbent core to transport fluid through the topsheet 1405to the absorbent core 1135. The wicking member 1415 may be adhered tothe underside of the topsheet 1405 via any suitable method, e.g.,adhesive or thermal bond. The wicking member 1415 may also be adhered tothe absorbent core 1135 via adhesive or a thermal bond.. 1435.

FIG. 19A is an additional exemplary embodiment of an adult absorbentarticle 1500 comprising a physical feature 1555. FIG. 19B is across-section view of the article of FIG. 19A, taken along the line A-A.The physical feature 1555 is an encapsulated air bubble integral withthe article 1500. It is air in a sealed film pocket which, in someembodiments may be covered by an absorbent material and a topsheet 1505.Any suitable absorbent material may be utilized.

Test Methods

There are many test methods which can provide insight into thecharacteristics of a physical feature as described herein. Allmeasurements are conducted at 22° C. +/−2° and 50% RH+/−20%. Samples areconditioned for at least two hours prior to testing under the sameconditions. Linear measurements are made with a device that is traceableto NIST or other standards organization. Each measurement below is to beconducted on 10 separate like specimens and the average of the separatelike specimens is considered to be the measurement for that specificspecimen set.

-   -   1. Caliper, (z directional thickness of H1 and H2) is measured        using a Digital Manual Fabric Thick Measuring equipment, e.g.,        Gester YG141N, or other height gauge device, e.g., Tormach Tool        PN 31988. The thickness of H1 is measured by inserting the pad        into the devise such that only H1 is captured within the device.        The foot of the gauge device should be brought into contact with        the sample until the foot is visibly touching the sample. No        additional pressure should be applied to the foot once the foot        contacts the sample. H2 is measured by placing the pad into the        device, such that both H1 and H2 are captured. The combined        caliper of H1 and H2 are measured, and H2 is determined by        subtracting the caliper of H1. All measurements are conducted        with no added pressure.    -   2. Dimensions (W1, W2, L1, L2) are measured with a ruler, with        each product laid flat in its relaxed state.

Pads that are intended to be worn in one's undergarments can employfastening means, such as adhesive, for temporarily affixing the articleto the undergarment. The shape of the adhesive area may be fullcoverage, or one or two or more strips of longitudinally orientedadhesive strips instead of full coverage. The adhesive strips may thenbe continuous or intermittent. For example, two longitudinally orientedstrips, one on each side of the longitudinal axis, may be applied. Theadhesive may be applied via direct slot coating application process orvia a non-contact process. Mechanical adhesive means may be alsoprovided, such as microscopic hooks placed on the backsheet and designedto attach to the fibers present in some undergarments, as in ahook-and-loop fastener.

The topsheet is typically the layer of the adult absorbent article thatis oriented towards and contacts the body of the wearer, and istherefore the first layer to receive bodily exudates. The topsheet isnormally made of a single layer, but may also comprise more than onelayer (for example a central topsheet layer and two overlapping lateralstripes, as disclosed in WO93/09744 or EP766,953). The topsheet isnormally liquid pervious. The term “liquid pervious” as used hereinrefers to components that allow liquids to pass therethrough withoutsignificantly retarding or obstructing the transmission of such liquidstherethrough.

It is envisaged that any conventional topsheet materials may be usedwithin the invention. Suitable topsheets may be made for example fromnonwoven materials or perforated polyolefinic films. An exemplarytopsheet suitable for use herein is a relatively hydrophobic 20 gsmspunbonded nonwoven web comprising bicomponent fibers of the sheath coretype (PP/PE).

If desired, the topsheet may be treated with a surfactant to enhanceliquid penetration to an underlying absorbent core. The surfactant istypically non-ionic and should be nonirritating to the skin. Asurfactant density of about 0.01 milligrams per square centimeter of topsheet area is normally suitable. An exemplary surfactant is sold by theGlyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut as Pegosperse 200 ML. Thetopsheet may have a plurality of apertures or other structures to permitliquids deposited thereon to pass through to the absorbent core morequickly.

The general function of the backsheet is to prevent discharges absorbedby the core from escaping the sanitary napkin and soiling the wearer ortheir clothing. The backsheet may be made of any suitable material; inparticular, any standard backsheet materials. These materials aregenerally flexible, liquid resistant, and liquid impervious. Exemplarybacksheet materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefinic filmsor nonwoven webs. Nonwoven webs may be advantageous because theynormally provide better breathability for the articles and may becheaper than polyolefinic films. For example, a relatively hydrophobic18 grams per square meter (gsm) spunbonded nonwoven web of 2 denierpolypropylene fibers. The backsheet may also be a laminate as is knownin the art.

The topsheet and the backsheet can be peripherally joined using knowntechniques such as heat embossing and ultrasonic bonding. The layers mayalso be glued to each other. The topsheet may be contiguous with thebacksheet with these two layers forming the outer periphery of thearticle. The adult absorbent articles may comprise attached wings,integral wings, or no wings.

The adult absorbent articles contemplated by the present inventionfurther comprise an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet. As used herein, the term “absorbent core” refers to amaterial or combination of materials suitable for absorbing,distributing, and storing fluids such as urine, blood, menses, and/orother body exudates. The absorbent core may or may not be affixed to thetopsheet and backsheet.

The absorbent core can be made of any suitable materials. Nonlimitingexamples of suitable liquid-absorbent materials include comminuted woodpulp which is generally referred to as airfelt; creped cellulosewadding; absorbent gelling materials including superabsorbent polymerssuch as hydrogel-forming polymeric gelling agents; chemically stiffened,modified, or cross-linked cellulose fibers; meltblown polymers includingco-form; synthetic fibers including crimped polyester fibers; tissueincluding tissue wraps and tissue laminates; capillary channel fibers;absorbent foams; HIPE; absorbent sponges; synthetic staple fibers; peatmoss; or any equivalent material; or combinations thereof. The absorbentcore can comprise superabsorbent polymer (SAP), normally distributedwithin a matrix of cellulosic fibers, for example in order to reduce thethickness of the absorbent core.

The absorbent core can be unitary, or can be a laminate of two or morelayers. For example, the core can comprise a fluid impermeable barrierlayer (e.g., a PE Patch) on its backsheet-facing side to prevent fluidsretained by the absorbent core from striking through the pantiliner andsoiling adjacent garments. An exemplary PE patch is a 25 gsm poly filmavailable from Britton Taco (UK) under trade name ST-012A-White. Furthergeneral information regarding absorbent cores can be found in priorpatent publications, see for example PCT publications WO0207662A1 andWO9119471.

The adult absorbent articles may be packaged in an un-folded state andwithout an optional individual wrapper feature. In alternativeembodiments of the present invention, the articles can be folded (e.g.,bi-folded or tri-folded) and/or packaged in individual wrappers. Suchsecondary packaging is known to the skilled artisan, and can be made outof flexible polymeric films or nonwovens. These individual wrappers cantake on a variety of configurations, such as a pouch that can facilitatedisposal of a soiled absorbent article. In still other embodiments, thephysical feature may be packaged separately from the adult absorbentarticle, for example, a box of additional cores may be sold alongsidesanitary napkins, wherein a user is instructed to place an additionalcore on top of a sanitary napkin to customize her panty-body fit.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An array of adult absorbent articles, the arraycomprising: a. a first absorbent article comprising: i. a topsheet, abacksheet, and a first absorbent core, the first absorbent core having afirst absorbent core length; ii. a first physical feature disposedbetween the first absorbent core and the topsheet; and b. a secondabsorbent article comprising; i. a topsheet, a backsheet, and a secondabsorbent core, the second absorbent core having a second absorbent corelength; ii. a second physical feature disposed between the secondabsorbent core and the topsheet; wherein the first physical featurecomprises a first characteristic based on a first body-mass index,wherein the first characteristic is a first length, wherein the firstlength is between 27 percent and 77 percent of the first absorbent corelength, wherein the second physical feature comprises a secondcharacteristic based on a second body-mass index, wherein the secondcharacteristic is a second length, wherein the second length is between27 percent and 77 percent of the second absorbent core length, whereinthe first length is less than the second length; wherein the firstphysical feature comprises a convex portion oriented toward a first endof the first absorbent article or the second physical feature comprise aconvex portion oriented toward a first end of the second absorbentarticle, and wherein the first absorbent article and the secondabsorbent article are manufactured by the same company.
 2. The array ofclaim 1, wherein the first absorbent article and the second absorbentarticle share a common brand name or sub-brand name.
 3. The array ofclaim 1, wherein the first body-mass index is less than the secondbody-mass index.
 4. The array of claim 1, wherein the first physicalfeature and second physical feature are sized to substantially fill aparticular panty-body void.
 5. The array of claim 1, further comprisinga third absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and athird absorbent core; wherein the third absorbent article does notcomprise a third physical feature.
 6. The array of claim 5, wherein thethird absorbent article, the first absorbent article, and the secondabsorbent article share a common brand name or sub-brand name.
 7. Thearray of claim 5, wherein the third absorbent article not comprising athird physical feature is based upon a third body-mass index.
 8. Thearray of claim 7, wherein the third body-mass index is less than thefirst body-mass index and less than the second body-mass index.
 9. Thearray of claim 1, wherein the first absorbent article and the secondabsorbent article are both sanitary napkins.
 10. The array of claim 5,wherein the first absorbent article and the second absorbent article areboth sanitary napkins and the third absorbent article is a pantiliner.11. The array of claim 5, wherein the first, second, and third absorbentarticles are sanitary napkins.
 12. The array of claim 1, wherein thefirst absorbent article and the second absorbent article are bothselected from the group consisting of adult incontinence pads, adultincontinence liners, adult incontinence pants, sanitary pads, andsanitary pantiliners.
 13. The array of claim 5, wherein the first,second, and third absorbent articles are selected from the groupconsisting of adult incontinence pads, adult incontinence liners, adultincontinence pants, sanitary pads, and sanitary pantiliners.
 14. Anarray of adult absorbent articles, the array comprising: a firstabsorbent article in a first size having a topsheet, a backsheet, afirst absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;and a first physical feature disposed between the first absorbent coreand the topsheet, wherein the first absorbent core has a first absorbentcore length and the first physical feature has a first length, whereinthe first length is less than the first absorbent core length, andwherein the first physical feature is separate from the first absorbentcore; and a second absorbent article in a second size having a topsheet,a backsheet, and a second absorbent core and a second physical featuredisposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, wherein the secondabsorbent core has a second absorbent core length and the secondphysical feature has a second length, and wherein the second length isless than the second absorbent core length, and wherein the secondphysical features is separate from the second absorbent core; andwherein each of the first physical feature comprises a height based on afirst body-mass index and the second physical feature comprises a heightbased on a second body-mass index, wherein a ratio of the first physicalfeature height to the second physical feature height is between about 5to 1 to about 1.5 to 1, and wherein the first physical feature has aconvex portion oriented toward a first end of the first absorbentarticle and/or the second physical feature has a convex portion orientedtoward a first end of the second absorbent article.
 15. The array ofadult absorbent articles of claim 14 further comprising a thirdabsorbent article in a third size, wherein the third absorbent articledoes not comprise a physical feature.
 16. The array of adult absorbentarticles of claim 14 further comprising a third absorbent article in athird size, wherein the third absorbent article comprises a physicalfeature having a height, wherein a ratio of the third physical featureheight to the second physical feature height is between about 5 to 1 toabout 4 to
 1. 17. The array of adult absorbent articles of claim 14,wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length is from about2.5 to 1 to about 1.25 to
 1. 18. The array of adult absorbent articlesof claim 17, further comprising a third absorbent article having a thirdsize, wherein the third absorbent article does not comprise a physicalfeature.
 19. The array of adult absorbent articles of claim 17, furthercomprising a third absorbent article having a third size, wherein thethird absorbent article comprises a physical feature having a thirdlength, and wherein a ratio of the third length to the second length isfrom about 1.5 to 1 to about 1 to
 1. 20. The array of adult absorbentarticles of claim 14, wherein the first physical feature has a firstheight, wherein a ratio of the first length to the first height is fromabout 250 to 1 to about 2.5 to
 1. 21. The array of adult absorbentarticles of claim 20, wherein the second physical feature has a secondheight, wherein a ratio of the second length to the second height isfrom about to 1 to about 30 to 1.